It is a remarkable experience when you step out of the lift on the upper floors of the Veemgebouw and find yourself in a green courtyard. For a moment, you forget you are high above the ground. This experience is the result of creating a special rooftop garden as an extension to the Veemgebouw on Strijp-S.
The building was originally constructed as a warehouse for Philips. In addition to its striking façade, the building features concrete columns with enormous load-bearing capacity. In recent years, the strength of the structure and the building’s low floor heights have been used for parking and urban agriculture (including the cultivation of trout and vegetables under artificial light). The structural capacity of the building also created opportunities to add residential units on top of it. London-based architects Caruso St. John designed 39 homes, while Buro Lubbers designed the inner garden on behalf of housing corporation Trudo.
The homes on top all have dual-aspect qualities, as they are oriented towards the green courtyard on the roof. One side offers expansive views, while the other overlooks the intimate inner garden. This courtyard is also where all front doors open onto.
Characteristic Koelreuteria trees give the space a pleasant green atmosphere. These trees have a strong silhouette in winter, abundant flowering in summer (important for bumblebees, bees, and butterflies), and distinctive seed pods in autumn. When in bloom, they still attract bees at this height, and residents can hear the buzzing that signals spring. Planting beds around the Koelreuteria trees and along the property boundaries give the courtyard the feel of an enclosed garden. The paving consists of grass pavers that create an attractive graphic pattern. This interplay of lines of grass also enhances the garden-like atmosphere. One would hardly suspect that they are on top of a roof.
By introducing small private stoops, where residents can place benches and flower pots outside, residents are encouraged to spend time outdoors. The communal area is also equipped with wooden poufs that allow residents to gather together. The residents are very satisfied with their living environment. The courtyard is used frequently and naturally fosters connection between residents. Living in such a place, for the mid-market rental segment, including views of the Eindhoven skyline, is a privilege.
Project credits
Architect: Caruso St John Architects LLP
Contractor: Stam en de Koning
Architect (local design development): V/Architecten
Structural engineer: Tielemans
Technical consultant / engineering: Visietech
Torenallee 80 t/m 110, 5617 BE Eindhoven
